How to get Canadian experience in the medical field

Doctors with patientCanadian employers who often do not know how to assess education and work experience from other countries, may require or prefer you to have experience working in Canada. Lack of local market experience can pose a challenge for newcomers, but there are ways to overcome some of these challenges.

When an employer tells you that you have no “Canadian experience” often they mean that they’re not sure if you’re going to fit into their workplace. They are not sure that you are familiar with Canadian codes and standards of practice or that you have the communication skills, etiquette or inter-personal savvy to be an asset to their firm.

Employers want friendly, assertive professionals with above average communication skills who will fit right in and over time become leaders.

You can overcome this barrier and acquire a good understanding of how a Canadian workplace operates by volunteering, meeting people, having a mentor, getting an internship or job shadowing.

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Volunteering

Volunteerism is an important part of Canadian society and lifestyle. It helps you settle in faster, make friends, practice skills and even it might lead you – in some cases – to a job at the organization where you are volunteering or somewhere else.

For example, you may find volunteering opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centres and community health programs. You can know about these and other opportunities by contacting your local volunteer centre. As well, you can ask your relatives, friends or colleagues for volunteer opportunities that suit your skills and interests.

Regardless, you should consider volunteering in your community as it is an important tool that helps you practice your communication skills or learn some new technology skills.

 Video: How can newcomers benefit from volunteering?

Internship

Another good way to acquire Canadian experience is by having internships. Career Bridge is an innovative internship program that allows you to apply for paid internships at Canada’s leading private, public or non-profit sector employers. The program regularly posts internship opportunities and offers paid internships of four, six, nine or 12 months for recent immigrants:

  • with fluency in English
  • with at least a Bachelor’s level education
  • with a minimum of three years international work experience

The program is run by Career Edge Organization, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has managed over 9,200 paid internships across Canada since 1996.

Mentoring

It is important to find someone such as a practicing or retired physician, who can coach or mentor you and share information about the medical sector in Canada. Many professional associations or firms offer this type of “buddy” program, where a seasoned member guides a junior one. Contact the relevant associations in your area to know about the available mentorship opportunities.

As well, many bridging programs and immigrant-serving agencies have mentorship programs where they team up a newcomer professional with someone in their field.
The Mentoring Partnership brings together recent skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships. The program is managed by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.

For similar programs in other Canadian cities, check the immigrant employment council in your area. You can also look for mentoring opportunities online, by registering for sites such as MentorCity.

 Video: How can newcomers benefit from mentoring?